RAYMOND, Miss. - Northeast Mississippi Community College christened its 2022 football campaign with a historic victory in more ways than one.
The Tigers defeated Hinds Community College by a score of 20-3 on Thursday, September 1 at Joe Renfroe Stadium.
It was Northeast's first win over a nationally ranked team in 18 years. The Eagles appeared at No. 7 in the inaugural National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) poll of the regular season.
This was also their first on-the-field triumph versus Hinds since October 4, 1980 when multi-time hall of fame coach W.B. "Bill" Ward guided the Tigers to a narrow 35-28 decision. Northeast did receive a forfeit victory over the Eagles in 2008.
"I just told the players to believe," said Tigers headman Greg Davis. "We hit some obstacles in the offseason, but I'm going to tell you they were relentless tonight across the board on both sides of the ball.
"I think this is one of the best groups of young men that I've had in eight years here as the head coach. There's no arguing. There's no griping. They just work. I love each and every one of them. It was a fantastic effort by the kids."
Northeast scored in every period and did not relinquish the lead. Kortlen Wilfawn accounted for the Tigers' initial points of the new season with 5:19 remaining in the first quarter on a three-yard touchdown catch from Carter Putt on a fourth down pass.
Wilfawn's score was set up moments earlier when Kenny Byrd scooped up a fumble that was forced by CJ Barney inside the Hinds 10-yard line. It was one of four takeaways by Northeast's stingy defensive unit.
"The coaches really trust that play," Wilfawn said. "The o-line, quarterback and running back all sold it really good up front. It was just a dream come true scoring a touchdown in college. There was a lot of emotion on that."
Both teams exchanged field goals during the second stanza. Guy Gillespie connected on a 21-yard chip shot to cap a 10-play, 67-yard drive and extend the Tigers' advantage to 10-3 at the halftime break.
Northeast continued to capitalize on miscues by the Eagles after the intermission. A fumble recovery by Wilfawn, who doubles as a tight end and long snapper for the Tigers, on a muffed punt led to a 32-yard field goal by Gillespie in the third period.
Steven Edwards put an exclamation mark on the win with a 71-yard pick-six with just 8:03 to go in the contest. It was the third interception of Edwards' career at Northeast (1-0) and his first-ever touchdown at any level of football.
"I just kept my eyes on the quarterback. I baited him into a bad throw and I just hoped my guys blocked for me," said Edwards. "It was a good celebration. It felt great. This is just the start."
Juwon Gaston's leaping interception in the first quarter was the Tigers' only forced turnover that did not transition into points. Northeast held Hinds to 158 total yards, which was its lowest offensive output since its 2019 matchup against East Mississippi Community College.
Putt completed 16 of 31 passes for 124 yards while his top target Tyrell Randall reeled in seven catches for 77 yards during his debut with the Tigers. Goldman Butler, VI had a game-high 56 rushing yards on 12 attempts.
Triston Newson and Byrd, who transferred to Northeast from Coastal Carolina (S.C.) University, tied for a game-best 10 tackles. Deonta Barnes and Barney were not far behind with nine and eight stops apiece, respectively.
Punter John Daniel Deaton aided the Tigers tremendously by pinning the Eagles (0-1) inside their own 20-yard line four times. Northeast also had seven tackles for loss, including three from DQ Watkins.
The Tigers welcome Pearl River Community College for their home opener on Thursday, September 8. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. with Northeast's sophomore recognition ceremony among the pregame festivities from Tiger Stadium.